Michael Redd Out For the Season – Bucks Can Actually Be Worse

The Milwaukee Bucks are cursed. They haven’t made the playoffs since the ’05-’06 season. They haven’t made it to the NBA finals since the ’73-’74 season. They haven’t won an NBA title since the ’70-’71 season. Now, in the ’08-’09, the Bucks have just lost their leading scorer and face of the franchise to a seasonending ACL/MCL injury. As a Milwaukee native, Redd’s injury is depressing to me, but does not come as a surprise. The Buck’s have, for years, disappointed me. So why should this year be any different?

I’m not saying that Redd’s injury is the Buck’s fault. And my heart goes out to Redd, he is a stand-up guy and i wish him a speedy recovery. But, I already accepted defeat when the season started. It’s not like the Buck’s don’t have talent. Even without Redd in the rotation, the Buck’s have playmakers. Former number one overall pick Andrew Bogut is a solid center. Forwards Richard Jefferson and Charlie Villanueva add experience and Jefferson is the Buck’s second leading scorer with just over 17 points a game. The Buck’s also have young talent in rookies Luc Richard Mbah a Moute and Joe Alexander. However, no matter who is on their team, the Buck’s can’t manage to get anything positive going.

In a state dominated by football, the Milwaukee Bucks have had some trouble drawing support. They are a small market team that has not had a block-buster player on their roster since Ray Allen nearly a decade ago. And with the loss of Michael Redd this season, the Bucks will be reeling even more for leadership on the court and a reason for fans to come to the game.

As much as I love the Bucks and the city of Milwaukee (it really is a beautiful city, if you are in the area, I suggest you check it out) the best thing for the franchise may be a move. The Supersonics moved away from Seattle, changed their name (to the Thunder) and settled in Oklahoma City. The Thunder may have the worst record in the league but they have been selling out their stadium and have strong fan base. Perhaps more importantly, the Thunder have stimulated the Oklahoma City economy. If the Bucks can’t turn it around in the next couple seasons, I could see the team being sold again and moved to another small to medium market that does not have a basketball team. St. Louis, Albuquerque, and Pittsburgh are all possible prospects. I hope that doesn’t happen. However, an NBA franchise is a business, and business isn’t good when you are as bad as the Bucks.